Fresh Graduates P5,000 One-time Cash Grant Act

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) 25 AUG -6 P2:32 SENATE RECENADET S. No. 1055 Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada AN ACT PROVIDING FRESH GRADUATES OF PHILIPPINE TERTIARY EDUCATION, UNIVERSITIES, COLLEGES AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS, OF A ONE-TIME CASH GRANT OF FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P5,000) WHICH THEY CAN UTILIZE FOR JOB APPLICATION, INITIAL EMPLOYMENT AND SETTLING-IN EXPLANATORY NOTE Each year, thousands of young Filipinos graduate from universities, colleges, and technical-vocational institutions with the hopes of securing meaningful employment and contributing to the nation's development. However, the transition from education to the workforce is often met with significant financial and logistical barriers. For many fresh graduates, the costs associated with applying for jobs-such as transportation, documentation, attire, and initial relocation or settling-in expenses- pose a serious challenge, particularly for those from low-income families. Recognizing the economic hardships faced by many first-time job seekers, this bill proposes the provision of a one-time cash grant of Five thousand pesos ($5,000.00) to all qualified Filipino graduates of recognized tertiary education and training institutions. The intent is to offer timely and targeted support that will help ease the burden of employment preparation and empower young individuals as they begin their professional journey.

A similar bill was filed by Senator Cynthia A. Villar in the 19th Congress. This bill reflects a deep understanding of the socioeconomic obstacles that hinder employment access and underscores the importance of proactive government assistance in bridging the education-to-employment gap. This measure exemplifies the State's growing responsibility to support the nation's youth-not only through education but also by enabling a smoother, more equitable entry into the workforce. It affirms the belief that opportunity should not be limited by financial hardship, and that every graduate deserves a fair chance to succeed. Key features of the bill include: 1. The provision of a one-time, non-repayable cash grant of ₽5,000 to qualified graduates of Philippine tertiary and training institutions, to be used for job application-related expenses; The establishment of a simple, accessible, and transparent process for application and disbursement through relevant government agencies; 3. Coordination with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to implement and monitor the program; 4. The prioritization of graduates from low-income households and marginalized sectors to ensure equitable distribution; 5. The annual appropriation of funds necessary for the program's sustained implementation. This legislation aims to invest in the country's future workforce by supporting its newest members at a critical point in their personal and professional development. By doing so, it fosters greater inclusivity, economic mobility, and productivity in the labor market.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. HINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 25 AUG -6 P2:32 First Regular Session SENATE RECEN S. No. 1055 Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada AN ACT PROVIDING FRESH GRADUATES OF PHILIPPINE TERTIARY EDUCATION, UNIVERSITIES, COLLEGES AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS, OF A ONETIME CASH GRANT OF FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P5,000) WHICH THEY CAN UTILIZE FOR JOB APPLICATION, INITIAL EMPLOYMENT AND SETTLING-IN Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the " Fresh Graduates P5,000

One-Time Cash Grant Act"

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect the interest

of the youth. It shall endeavor to provide them opportunities for development by creating policies that improve access to employment. The State, in this regard in addition to the various waivers of payment under Republic Act No. 11261, shall extend a productivity cash grant in the amount of Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) which the fresh graduates can use for the initial expenses of his employment application and job settling-in.

Sec. 3. Cash Grant to Fresh Graduates. - In addition to the privileges and waiver

of fees specified under Republic Act No. 11261 or the "First Time Job Seekers Assistance Act", all fresh Filipino graduates Philippine tertiary institution, universities, colleges and training institutions shall receive the amount of Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) productivity cash grant which he/she can use for the initial expenses of his/her employment application and job settling-in.

Sec. 4. Proof of Graduation. - To avail of the cash grant authorized in this Act,

2 a citizen must submit to the government agency or instrumentality or local 3 government unit concerned a copy of his or her diploma, certification, document or communication from the academic, vocational or technical institution from which he 5 or she has graduated, written or issued to the effect that such person has indeed 6 successfully completed the course required. The diploma, certification, document, or 7 communication should clearly state the date of graduation or completion and the course completed or degree earned and should be signed by the institution's duly 9 authorized representative.

Sec. 5. The Creation of an Inter-Agency Monitoring Committee. - An Inter-

11 Agency Monitoring Committee (IAMC) is hereby created to be headed by the 12 Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education and in cooperation with the heads of the relevant departments as its members. The IAMC's function is to formulate the implementing rules and regulations that will supplement the implementation of this Act and to monitor the compliance to this 16 Act by the various government agencies and instrumentalities within its scope. It may recommend to the proper authorities the filing of an administrative complaint against any person who refuses to comply with the provisions of this Act.

Sec. 6. Appropriations, - The fund needed to implement this Act shall be

coursed thru the Commission on Higher Education, at such amount that may be determined by Congress after consulting with different stakeholders including the student sectors and the academia.

Sec. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, ordinances, rules and

regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared

unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, the validity of the other provisions shall not be affected thereby.

Sec. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication

in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,